Asbestos Testing Services

Ann Arbor, Michigan, April 30^th , 2020

Recently, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) alleged that three companies involved in the demolition of a former auto plant in the state committed asbestos-related violations. The project took place last year and the companies face fines that total over $60,000.

Regarding the hazards associated with asbestos in these types of situations, EGLE reports the following: Asbestos has been used in many products, such as insulation, floor tile, roofing materials and siding.  Although most of these products are no longer made using asbestos, there is still a risk of exposure to asbestos during renovations and demolitions.

Across Michigan and throughout North America, there are countless former industrial facilities slated to be torn down because the buildings are obsolete. Unfortunately, a high percentage of these facilities contain asbestos, lead-based paints, PCBs and other regulated materials.

Exposure risks can be significant as building demolition projects typically create huge amounts of waste, dust and debris. While much of this waste is inert or nonhazardous, some of it may contain hazardous materials. This waste, and the demolition process itself, can in some circumstances create exposure concerns for project workers and nearby residents as wind and human activities can aerosolize asbestos fibers.

“National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) are meant to protect the public and environment by minimizing the release of asbestos fibers during renovation and demolition activities,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “This not only helps to protect workers, but also people living and working nearby, and future building occupants. Any noncompliance penalties issued to companies involved with demolition or renovation activities can be costly.”

EMSL Analytical, Inc.’s environmental testing and industrial hygiene professionals are experts at identifying the presence of asbestos, lead, PCBs and many other hazardous materials for exposure assessments. EMSL has a laboratory in Michigan and dozens more across the United States and Canada. They offer laboratory testing services, sampling supplies, test kits, air monitoring instruments and wide range of personal protective equipment (PPE). 

To learn more about EMSL’s air quality, industrial hygiene and environmental testing services and products, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. For access to indoor environmental quality (IEQ) test kits, please visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with 46 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.